California Ag Network

Tag: LODI RULES

  • California Wine Grape Community Mourns Passing of John Ledbetter

    The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) mourns the loss of former CAWG Chair John Ledbetter, who passed away on June 23. John was a respected leader, visionary grower and tireless advocate whose influence helped shape California’s winegrape industry for decades.

    Born and raised in Delano, John married his high school sweetheart, Edyth, and together they raised two children, Kimberly and Craig. John served in the U.S. Navy as a technician from 1967 to 1973. Following his military service, he earned a degree in ag business and ag economics from Fresno State. After beginning his career with the Farm Credit System, John returned to the family farming operation in 1978, where he devoted the rest of his career to advancing California’s winegrape industry.

    Together with his brother, Jim, John helped transform the family business from a small regional farming operation into one of California’s leading winegrape growing and vineyard management companies. Throughout his career, he championed innovation and sustainability, working closely with the Lodi Winegrape Commission to advance integrated pest management practices and playing a pivotal role in developing the groundbreaking Lodi Rules for Sustainable Winegrowing Program.

    John’s leadership extended well beyond his own vineyards. He served as Chair of the CAWG Board of Directors from 1987 to 1989 and held numerous leadership positions throughout the industry, including President of the Lodi District Grape Growers Association, Chairman of the Lodi Winegrape Commission, Vice Chair of Winegrape Growers of America, Board Member of the Wine Market Council and Supreme Knight of the Knights of the Vine. He was also a graduate of the California Agricultural Leadership Program Class 12.

    “John Ledbetter was a cornerstone of this association and a tireless champion for California winegrape growers,” said CAWG President Natalie Collins. “He showed up, did the work, and never stopped believing this industry could be stronger for everyone in it. His family has held a seat at the CAWG table since our earliest days — from John’s chairmanship, to Kim’s, to Craig’s service on our board today. That kind of legacy doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when a family genuinely believes in the mission. We are heartbroken at his passing and grateful for everything the Ledbetter family has given to the California wine grape industry.”

    Philanthropy was central to John’s life. Through his generosity and leadership, countless organizations and individuals benefited from his commitment to giving back. His legacy will continue through the many programs, organizations, and people whose lives he touched.

    Additional details about John’s life and accomplishments, along with information about making a memorial donation in his honor, can be found in his obituary. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, July 2, at St. John’s Episcopal Church (1055 S. Lower Sacramento Road, Lodi), followed by a reception at Appellation Lodi (2505 W. Turner Road, Lodi).

    CAWG extends its heartfelt condolences to Edyth, Kimberly, Craig and the entire Ledbetter family. John’s leadership, generosity and unwavering commitment to California agriculture will be remembered for generations to come. — Story contributed by the California Association of Winegrape Growers

  • Lodi Winegrape Commission Elects Youngest Leadership Team In 34-Year History

    A new generation of leaders is stepping forward to guide the Lodi wine region into the future. During its August meeting, the 2025–2026 board of directors of the Lodi Winegrape Commission assumed service and elected fresh leadership as the next generation of winegrowers assumes key roles alongside seasoned industry veterans.

    The board appointed a historic slate of officers representing the youngest leadership team in the Commission’s 34-year history. Jacylyn Stokes Iniguez was elected chair, Hadyn Schatz vice chair, Pieter den Hartog secretary, and Scott Armolea treasurer. Together, this new leadership embodies the dynamic energy and forward-thinking vision needed to navigate today’s evolving wine industry.

    Commissioners remain unchanged for the 2025–2026 term, with all current members continuing their service – Scott Armolea, Pieter den Hartog, Jason Eells, Dirk Heuvel, Jacylyn Stokes Iniguez, Farrah Felten Jolley, Joan Kautz, Diego Olagaray (chair, 2023–2025), and Hadyn Schatz. Galen Schmiedt joins current alternates Gerardo Espinosa, Joe Larranaga, Colton Machado, Brett Pieretti, and Mitch Spaletta.

    A Legacy of Innovation Continues

    This transition continues a legacy of service as Stokes, along with Schatz and den Hartog, are carrying forward their families’ multi-generational commitment to the region. They follow in the footsteps of their fathers, who also served on the Commission’s board of directors:

    • Rodney Schatz, Peltier Winery & Vineyards — 1991–1999 (chair, 1997–1999)
    • Bill Stokes, Stokes Brothers Farms — 2003–2011
    • Pieter den Hartog, Den Hartog International Farms, Inc. — 2013–2019

    This generational turnover reflects the deep agricultural roots and family commitment that defines Lodi’s winegrowing community, while bringing fresh perspectives on sustainability, innovation, and market adaptation.

    Leading through Industry Evolution

    Stokes holds leadership roles at both Stokes Vineyards and Stokes Brothers Farms, focusing on vineyard operations and sustainability, and is the owner of La Belle Nue Wine. She has served on the Commission’s board of directors since 2020, previously holding the offices of secretary (2023–2024) and vice chair (2024–2025), and also serves on the Commission’s Grower Marketing Committee. Stokes is a graduate of the California Agriculture Leadership Program and, alongside her husband, Jeff Iniguez, recently assumed the lease of her family’s old vine Zinfandel ranch, continuing a generational connection to Lodi. Her election as chair represents both continuity and change for the region.

    “Lodi is a place where I learned the value of hard work, family, and farming from a young age,” says Stokes. “While the market is shifting, our purpose remains the same; to uplift this region by telling its story and sustaining our community. Our parents helped to build this commission in 1991, not just as growers but as visionaries, and today we honor that legacy by embracing what it means to lead in a new era.”

    “This year’s board reflects a meaningful shift, with a new generation stepping confidently into leadership roles,” said Lodi Winegrape Commission Executive Director Stuart Spencer. “These talented young professionals are inspiring the entire community as they take the reins alongside seasoned leaders. That blend of fresh energy, forward-thinking vision, and deep agricultural heritage positions us well to continue advancing Lodi as California’s most dynamic wine region.”

    The board also welcomes back Galen Schmiedt as an alternate for 2025–2026. Schmiedt is a fourth-generation grape grower and vineyard owner actively involved in his family’s business, Carl Schmiedt Farming. He previously served eight consecutive years as a commissioner from 2012–2020, including a term as chair (2015–2017), and brings valuable institutional knowledge to support the new leadership team.

    Honoring Dedicated Service

    Rolling off the board of directors are Garret Schaefer (JW Moore Vineyards) and Todd Maley (Maley Vineyards), who each completed six consecutive years of service from 2019–2025. Both continue their active involvement with the Commission, with Schaefer serving on the Grower Marketing Committee and Maley on the Winery Marketing Committee.

    “On behalf of the entire board of directors, I want to extend our sincere thanks to Garret and Todd for their years of dedicated service to the Lodi winegrowing community,” said Stuart Spencer, Executive Director of the Lodi Winegrape Commission. “Their leadership, insight, and deep commitment to the region have left a lasting impact. We are grateful for their contributions and look forward to their continued involvement in the community.”

    About the Lodi Winegrape Commission

    Established in 1991, the Lodi Winegrape Commission represents the common interests of Lodi winegrowers with programs in marketing, education, research, and sustainable viticulture.  The Commission collectively and effectively promotes Lodi’s vibrant, multi-generational farming community and California’s most dynamic wine region. Comprised of nine commissioners and nine alternates, the board of directors provides direction and input on behalf of the region’s 750 winegrowers cultivating 85,000 acres of winegrapes. For more information about the Lodi Winegrape Commission, visit lodigrowers.com.

    About the Lodi American Viticultural Area (AVA)

    A historic winegrowing region since the 1850s, Lodi is perfectly situated 40 miles south of Sacramento and 90 miles east of San Francisco. Lodi’s Mediterranean climate and distinct soils allow its growers to cultivate more than 130 winegrape varieties, making Lodi the most diverse winegrowing region in the United States. The region also serves as home to more than 85 wineries – from boutique producers to legacy brands – specializing in hand-crafted wines that have garnered major awards at domestic and international wine competitions.

    Lodi is naturally a leader in sustainable viticulture. Created by California farmers and accredited by world-renowned scientists, LODI RULES is America’s original sustainable winegrowing program. Held to a high standard of scientific rigor and excellence, the program emphasizes environmentally and socially responsible practices, while keeping economic feasibility in mind for long-term business success. Today, there are more than 75,000 acres certified throughout California, in Washington, and Israel. For more information about the Lodi AVA or LODI RULES, visit lodiwine.com and lodirules.org.

  • Twenty Years of Groundbreaking Lodi Rules Sustainable Winegrowing Certification

    The Lodi Winegrape Commission proudly celebrates 20 years of certification under its pioneering LODI RULES for Sustainable Wine growing program. LODI RULES has led the way in promoting farming practices that respect the environment, support employee well-being, and ensure long-term economic viability. What originally began as an integrated pest management outreach program in 1992 grew into the infamous Lodi Winegrowers Workbook (1999), which formed the basis for LODI RULES. In 2005, 1,555 acres of Lodi vineyards owned by six growers were the first to become certified sustainable. Today, over 75,000 acres are certified across California, Washington, and Israel, and the influence of this groundbreaking program resonates across the globe.

    “Today, LODI RULES stands as an internationally recognized model for sustainable agriculture – emulated around the world – born from the dedication of Lodi growers who built this program from the ground up and the scientists who supported their courageous endeavor,” said Stuart Spencer, Executive Director of the Lodi Winegrape Commission.

    A Grassroots Program with a Global Reach

    Developed by growers for growers, LODI RULES is comprised of more than 150 rigorous farming practice standards, holistically addressing multiple facets of viticulture, including ecosystem enhancement, soil health, water conservation, community relations, human resources, pest management, and successful business policies. More than 70 of the program’s farming practices can measurably reduce the emission of greenhouse gases, helping to mitigate the negative effects of climate change.

    “It feels amazing to be part of a community dedicated to learning how we can do better and then implementing those changes in a meaningful way,” noted Dr. Stephanie Bolton, LODI RULES Sustainable Winegrowing Director. “Growers and wineries find immense value in LODI RULES, sharing with us that the program helps them farm in a more thoughtful manner, feel more connected, and communicate their story to the world.”

    Honoring the Sustainability Pioneers

    Recently, at the LODI RULES annual meeting, five of the original six growers were honored for achieving the milestone of 20 years of certification:

    • Mohr-Fry Ranches (Jerry Fry, Bruce Fry, and Mohrgan Fry)
    • Vino Farms, LLC. (John Ledbetter, Craig Ledbetter, and Kim Ledbetter-Bronson)
    • Watts Vineyards (Keith Watts)
    • Colligere Farm Management (Robert Pirie and Brandon Anderson)
    • Trinchero Family Estates (Chris Trinchero)

    Each of these five family farms has played a key role in shaping the foundation of LODI RULES, demonstrating how purposeful, science-based viticulture leads to better wine quality, healthier ecosystems, and thriving communities. Their leadership continues to elevate sustainability within Lodi and serves as an inspiration to growers around the world – encouraging others to adopt, adapt, and raise the bar on sustainable practices in their own operations.

    “These families represent the unwavering spirit of Lodi growers,” Spencer added. “They’ve proven that sustainability is far more than a buzzword. Their commitment sets the standard for winegrowers everywhere.”

    Robert Pirie reflects: “We take sustainability seriously. I am honored to have been a member of the original group who created the region’s LODI RULES for Sustainable Winegrowing program. It’s humbling to see how far the program has progressed and to see its influence on farming practices here in Lodi, throughout the entire state, and now, the world.”

    Looking Ahead

    As the Lodi Winegrape Commission celebrates two decades of sustainable leadership, it remains dedicated to continued innovation, grower education, and global collaboration. By evolving its standards and expanding its reach, LODI RULES will continue to champion winegrowing practices that protect the environment, benefit local communities, and ensure the legacy of vineyards for generations to come.

    About the Lodi Winegrape Commission

    Established in 1991, the Lodi Winegrape Commission represents the common interests of Lodi winegrowers with programs in marketing, education, research, and sustainable viticulture.  The Commission collectively and effectively promotes Lodi’s vibrant, multi-generational farming community and California’s most dynamic wine region. Comprised of nine commissioners and nine alternates, the board of directors provides direction and input on behalf of the region’s 750 winegrowers. For more information about the Lodi Winegrape Commission, visit lodigrowers.com.

    About the Lodi American Viticultural Area (AVA)

    A historic winegrowing region since the 1850s, Lodi is perfectly situated 40 miles south of Sacramento and 90 miles east of San Francisco. Lodi’s Mediterranean climate and distinct soils allow its growers to cultivate more than 130 winegrape varieties, making Lodi the most diverse winegrowing region in the United States. The region also serves as home to 80 boutique wineries specializing in small-lot, handmade wines that have garnered major awards at domestic and international wine competitions.

    Lodi is naturally a leader in sustainable viticulture. Created by California farmers and accredited by world-renowned scientists, LODI RULES is America’s original sustainable winegrowing program. Held to a high standard of scientific rigor and excellence, the program emphasizes environmentally and socially responsible practices, while keeping economic feasibility in mind for long-term business success. Today, there are more than 75,000 acres certified throughout California, in Washington, and Israel. For more information about the Lodi AVA or LODI RULES, visit lodiwine.com and lodirules.org.